Roberto Martinez believes Everton can make the top four next season – and do not need any help from UEFA either.

The Goodison boss dismissed suggestions that Manchester City should be punished for breaching Financial Fair Play rules by being stripped of their Champions League berth – even though it is his club that would benefit.

Instead, the Spaniard is confident that, after a fine season which has seen Everton push Arsenal all the way for fourth place, they now have the belief to join Europe’s elite in their own right.

“There is a feeling in the squad we are ready to get into the top-four places, which is very important,” said Martinez.

“At the beginning of this season, it is fair to say we didn’t know if we could compete for those places.

“Even though we have just missed out on the top four, there is a real feeling, if we work well and push ourselves, we can have a proper challenge for it next season.”

Man of the moment: Barkley has been in excellent form (Photo: Getty)

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger argues that City should be kicked out of European competition , because they have broken financial rules to get there. But Martinez is happy for the richest clubs to spend what they like – because he believes it is possible for Everton to beat them without simply splashing the cash.

“I don’t buy into the idea we can’t compete against City because we don’t have the same money – there are other ways we can compete and you need to find them,” he added.

“I believe we can do it through producing our own young players and offering them a better opportunity in the first team.

“If someone can afford an extra £100million, then well done to them.” Martinez also believes the FFP laws should be relaxed.

“I really enjoyed it a few years back when clubs came up with a big investor and it gave them the opportunity to fight for the title. We saw it with Chelsea,” he said.

“That’s healthy for the game. I’m always open to investors coming in.”